Buddha and Gandhi

Question 1

1. Life of Gautam Buddha

Answer 1

Birth: Prince Siddhartha of the Sakya clan, Kshatriya caste.
Turning Point: At 29, renounced luxury after realizing life’s inherent suffering (old age, sickness, death).
Enlightenment: Became the Buddha, meaning “Enlightened One.”

Question 2

The Essence of Buddhism

Answer 2

Four Truths:
Life involves suffering.
Suffering stems from desires (power, pleasure, existence).
Liberation is possible by overcoming desires.
Noble Eightfold Path leads to liberation.

Question 3

. The Noble Eightfold Path and Law

Answer 3

Right Understanding: Legal fairness and truth.
Right Intent: Ethical decision-making in judgments.
Right Speech: Laws against hate speech and defamation.
Right Action: Ethical conduct reflects criminal law.
Right Livelihood: Encourages sustainable practices.
Right Effort: Advocates addressing societal injustices.
Right Mindfulness: Impartial judicial behavior.
Right Concentration: Balanced legal decision-making.

Question 4

Buddhist Social Influence

Answer 4

Equality: Buddhism opposed caste-based inequalities, inspiring Articles 14 and 17 of the Constitution.
Deliberative Democracy:
Sangha governance through consensus mirrors participatory democracy.
Transparency through communal discussions.

Question 5

Buddhism and International Peacebuilding

Answer 5

Non-Violence: Dalai Lama’s peaceful conflict resolution aligns with ADR mechanisms.
Human Rights: Emphasis on dignity seen in Fundamental Rights (Articles 14–21).
Environmental Ethics: Reverence for life reflected in Article 48A (environmental protection).
Bhutan’s GNH: A development model prioritizing happiness over GDP influences global sustainable policies.

Question 6

. Gandhian Principles of Satyagraha

Answer 6

Core Tenets: Truthfulness, non-violence, and withdrawal of cooperation against injustice.
Methods: Non-payment of taxes, peaceful protests, and civil disobedience.
First Use in India: Champaran Satyagraha (1917).

Question 7

ey Components of Gandhian Thought

Answer 7

Nonviolence (Ahimsa): Foundation for anti-discrimination laws and restorative justice.
Truth (Satya): Judicial accountability and transparency in governance.
Self-reliance (Swaraj): Decentralization through Panchayati Raj (Article 40).
Sarvodaya (Welfare of All): Social justice laws and poverty alleviation programs.

Question 8

Shared Legacy of Buddhism and Gandhian Thought

Answer 8

Equality and Justice: Basis for social justice laws.
Human Rights: Reflected in Articles 14–32 (Fundamental Rights).
Environmental Sustainability: Ethical development and protection policies.
Restorative Justice: Mechanisms like Lok Adalats and Gram Nyayalayas for peaceful conflict resolution.